As part of its efforts to strengthen ties with Iraqi engineering experts abroad and keep pace with the latest scientific and technological developments, the College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad hosted Iraqi consulting engineer Dr. Haider Hussein Yasser, who resides in the United Kingdom and specializes in the design and manufacture of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways used in airports and critical facilities. The expert delivered a scientific lecture entitled:
“Vertical and Horizontal Transportation Systems in Iraq: The Urgent Need for Academic Education”
The event was held under the guidance and patronage of the Dean of the College of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ghassan Hamid Abdul-Majeed, and involved the Departments of Architectural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The lecture was delivered at the Department of Architectural Engineering on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at the Prof. Dr. Mohammed Makkiya Hall, with the participation of Dr. Amjad Mahmoud Al-Badri and in the presence of the Dean and the Associate Deans. On Monday, 26 October 2026, the Department of Mechanical Engineering hosted the visiting expert in the presence of the Department Head and faculty members, Prof. Dr. Abbas Burhan, Director of the College’s Engineering Consultancy Office, several faculty members from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, representatives of the College Deanship, and undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The lecture highlighted the importance of vertical and horizontal transportation systems, including elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, and their role in improving circulation efficiency and functional performance in buildings, airports, and critical facilities. It also examined the current state of these systems in Iraq and the challenges associated with their design, manufacture, installation, and operation, with particular emphasis on safety requirements, accessibility, and integration with architectural design. Furthermore, the lecture underscored the urgent need to develop academic education and engineering specializations in this field in line with labor market requirements and community needs.
Both lectures featured active engagement and fruitful scientific discussions between the speaker and attendees. Participants emphasized the importance of developing this specialized and relatively uncommon engineering field in Iraq, given its role in supporting engineering projects, advancing infrastructure, and preparing specialized engineering professionals capable of meeting local market demands and keeping pace with global developments.
This initiative reflects the College of Engineering’s ongoing commitment, particularly through its Departments of Architectural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, to advancing academic knowledge and practical expertise, strengthening cooperation with Iraqi experts abroad, and exchanging advanced scientific and industrial knowledge and experience. These efforts contribute to improving teaching and research and strengthening the links between academic institutions, the industrial sector, and professional practice.
At the conclusion of the lecture, the department expressed its appreciation to the guest expert for his valuable scientific and practical insights. It also thanked the attending faculty members and students for their participation and engagement, and extended special appreciation to Prof. Dr. Thaer Jabbar, a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, for his effective moderation of the scientific session.
